The best wine bar in your city is your living room.
It serves all your favorite wines, by the glass, for a quarter of what you’d pay elsewhere. The pours are generous, and you can always put on a movie if conversation runs dry.
As much as we love going out, buying wine at the bottle shop will win the value game every time. Our annual Best Buys list proves there are excellent bottles available from regions around the world for $20 or less. You just have to know where to look.
The wine industry has a perception problem—that all the truly good wine is out of reach for many people and only middling bottles are affordable. That is so incredibly false, and this list is the counterargument.
These selections come from some of the world’s most popular wine regions, as well as countries that may not be on your radar yet, but should be, like Brazil and Romania. No matter your budget, let this list be your guide as you stock up on eye- opening, expressive wines that will make your home the best, most affordable wine bar in town.
CLICK ON THE NAME TO LEARN MORE AND ADD THE ITEM TO YOUR CART:
Ranked #4: Brotte - Bord Elegance - Laudon 2025
"Fresh and commanding on the nose, where ripe orchard fruit and minerality are balanced by heady white rose and bergamot in a truly singular expression. The palate is divine, where salinity rides a wave of mouthwatering acidity weaving white peach, white rose, and spice into something captivating. A second bottle alongside lobster armoricaine is strongly advised." — Anna-Christina Cabrales.
Ranked #23: Eguren Ugarte - Cincuenta - Rioja 2017
"Integrated and juicy, this Tempranillo captures mixed cherries layered with a full range of oak spices that opens with further sipping into savory flavors with a kiss of caramel. Flavorful and balanced through a long finish." — Elaine Chukan Brown
Ranked #42: Domaine Clavel Syrius - Cotes du Rhone Village 2022
"This is an attractive, complex wine. Aromas of black cherry, singed mint leaf and dried field grass open on the nose that sees a hint of violet blossom. The palate is well-balanced with juicy fruit and velvety tannins that are in perfect harmony". — Anna-Christina Cabrales
Ranked #77: Donnafugata - Anthilia 2024
"On the nose, aromas of sweet and tart citrus and fragrant white flowers play on a beach of crushed rocks and shells. The palate sprinkles flaky salt over lemon slices and white peaches, intensifying a salty, lively overall feel." — Danielle Callegari
Ranked #82: Les Dauphins - Reserve Grenache Blend - Cotes du Rhone - Organic
"Aromas of violet blossom, black raspberry and dried cherry lift from the glass rounded out with red currant. The palate is energetic with youthful tannins that deliver a barrage of flavor including complimentary savory elements that fill out the finish." — Anna-Christina Cabrales